It was a horrible disappointment to have the redhead roundup end in failure. Although I put a lot of effort into recruitment and reminders, only one person showed up on the day. In spite of the bad turn out, I learned how to really put myself out there and not be so afraid to approach people, and was also reminded that sometimes? Being a student relying on other students is tough.
It was not, however, a total loss. I had a lot of fun conversing with Matt and think there is great audio to use for my podcast. We discussed a lot of redhead myths at length, taking a full hour just to chat and record.
There is still so much to be done for this project. Having more time to complete things is a huge relief for me. I don't think that I have slacked this semester, but I do think that I approached the project with the sense that I would already know what to do and get it done quickly. Instead I discovered that putting together a podcast with no prior experience is tricky! There are a lot of factors that go into forming an episode, gathering audio and editing, and without any established template to work from - a lot of creative energy and research required.
This week and Thanksgiving break will be spent adding all the finishing touches, of which there are SEVERAL. Making sure the music fits the way I would like it to, cutting down on interview time if necessary, making sure each episode has around the same running time, and posting everything to the web. Although I've worked on this as I've gone along, I know it won't be a short and easy thing.
One surprising moment in the week? Finally hearing back from the ragtime performer about the Redhead Rag music I wanted to use for the podcast. It is entirely possible that he will be sending me an mp3 recording of the music to add in. Hopefully he will be more prompt with it this time.
Still busy, but fun busy. I'm glad I made the decision to try something new!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
a Scottish play and no mention of Brigadoon
Watching Saturday night's performance of Macbeth was incredibly similar to watching a foreign film with only a slight grasp on the conversational language. I desperately longed for subtitles. Every so often I'd be able to pick out a word or phrase, make a connection, and grasp that someone was dead and someone wanted revenge or felt remorse about murder and so on. Mostly I just liked the sword fighting.
There were some things that already biased me against the play, that is true. One was that I have a dislike of Shakespeare's tragedies and much prefer the comedies, and even if people laughed at points during the performance, I have a feeling that it wasn't at any intended comedic moments. Another was that the play lasted for two and a half hours without even the shortest intermission. In the age of 140 characters, sound bites, and "multi-tasking" - it's a bit difficult to keep up the attention span. It would have been much easier accomplished if I understood half of what was occurring at any given moment.
The worst was when the guy seated behind me started reciting a monologue of Macbeth's loudly and at a different pace than the actor. I appreciate a theater enthusiast but that was a bit much. Eventually someone shushed him, but how rude!
For all my complaining, I could appreciate the quality and the effort that went into the performance itself. I loved that they stayed true to what would be a Shakespearean performance - minimalistic sets but with big energy, music that suited the time period, even the language and mannerisms were carefully thought out and executed. It was also a great way to look back on what was the birth of so many common expressions we have today. OUT DAMN SPOT! and something wicked this way comes, just to name a few.
CULTURAL EVENT 02
There were some things that already biased me against the play, that is true. One was that I have a dislike of Shakespeare's tragedies and much prefer the comedies, and even if people laughed at points during the performance, I have a feeling that it wasn't at any intended comedic moments. Another was that the play lasted for two and a half hours without even the shortest intermission. In the age of 140 characters, sound bites, and "multi-tasking" - it's a bit difficult to keep up the attention span. It would have been much easier accomplished if I understood half of what was occurring at any given moment.
The worst was when the guy seated behind me started reciting a monologue of Macbeth's loudly and at a different pace than the actor. I appreciate a theater enthusiast but that was a bit much. Eventually someone shushed him, but how rude!
For all my complaining, I could appreciate the quality and the effort that went into the performance itself. I loved that they stayed true to what would be a Shakespearean performance - minimalistic sets but with big energy, music that suited the time period, even the language and mannerisms were carefully thought out and executed. It was also a great way to look back on what was the birth of so many common expressions we have today. OUT DAMN SPOT! and something wicked this way comes, just to name a few.
can now certainly get some satisfaction
The first thing that stood out for me about Thursday night's performance of In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) was a sense of nostalgia. Not because I've ever been diagnosed with hysteria, or suspected love and science couldn't co-exist, but because of the routine I got into in my freshman year of college. Every other week I had to attend a play performance for my Playwriting II course. Some were large scale productions in prominent theaters on Broad Street (Philadelphia). Others took place with minimal sets in a room above a restaurant that sold nothing but crepes (and the crepes were delicious). That year I discovered just how much I enjoyed seeing a play with only a few other people around, with the actors so close they might as well be sitting with you at your dinner table.
In the Next Room really felt like you were in an intimate space. Although the theater was pleasantly crowded - I like to see a full house in support of the arts - there was no sense of grandeur. It suited the content of the play, which focused not so much on the invention of the vibrator, but the period of misunderstanding in the upper classes about love and sexual gratification in the 1800's. The wet nurse, for example, understood more about intercourse than the aristocratic women, who thought of sex merely as a man's need and a means for reproduction.
Big sets, dance numbers, and multiple cast members weren't necessary. The emotion of the play was the important thing, with the humor acting as a relief system. I admit it was pretty uncomfortable to watch women act out an orgasm every couple of minutes surrounded by strangers. It kind of made me wonder what it was like for the first audience to ever watch When Harry Met Sally. It was the jokes, the hilarious expressions on the faces of the actors as the new experiences changed things up for them, that made all the discomfort worth it.
I felt as if the entire audience loosened up their corsets and let the message sink in. Love is a much happier thing if both parties get a little somethin' somethin' out of it (and that includes same sex relationships too!).
CULTURAL EVENT 01
In the Next Room really felt like you were in an intimate space. Although the theater was pleasantly crowded - I like to see a full house in support of the arts - there was no sense of grandeur. It suited the content of the play, which focused not so much on the invention of the vibrator, but the period of misunderstanding in the upper classes about love and sexual gratification in the 1800's. The wet nurse, for example, understood more about intercourse than the aristocratic women, who thought of sex merely as a man's need and a means for reproduction.
Big sets, dance numbers, and multiple cast members weren't necessary. The emotion of the play was the important thing, with the humor acting as a relief system. I admit it was pretty uncomfortable to watch women act out an orgasm every couple of minutes surrounded by strangers. It kind of made me wonder what it was like for the first audience to ever watch When Harry Met Sally. It was the jokes, the hilarious expressions on the faces of the actors as the new experiences changed things up for them, that made all the discomfort worth it.
I felt as if the entire audience loosened up their corsets and let the message sink in. Love is a much happier thing if both parties get a little somethin' somethin' out of it (and that includes same sex relationships too!).
Sunday, November 6, 2011
lighting a fire beneath my chats
This week is going to be madness, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. All the pieces of my project are finally starting to come together. There is still a lot to be done, but I'm enjoying the work. This week's tasks include finishing all audio recording, wrapping up each podcast episode, the tri-fold board, and getting the website up.
WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT
This week I managed to --
WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT
This week I managed to --
- Complete the set-up of a conference room for my redhead roundup. Emailed all those I'd previously recruited with the time and date, but plan to find a few more people before the interview.
- Collected audio for other segments of the podcast and organized them in garageband. Made many a person sign a release form.
- Registered a domain name, secured a webhost for the website.
- Watched Lynda.com videos to learn more about WordPress.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
faithfully updating though still feverishly working
THE FIREHEAD CHATS WEEKLY UPDATE
- Printed off several release forms in order to record more audio for character and celebrity segments. Thinking about adding 3 more questions to round podcasts out.
- Heard about Lynda.com and plan to get the free trial to learn about WordPress.
- Added new info to the Sports episode - Congrats Andy Dalton! Terry Bradshaw's pick for best rookie quarterback.
- Worked more on layout of tri-fold board with input from director.
- Continued redhead recruitment and should meet with several redheads for audio recordings this week.
- Experimented with music in podcasts, still finalizing sound.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
preparing for a modern day redhead roundup
Lack of time and stress has definitely started to catch up to me this week. I am, however, pushing through to the best of my ability, and I have some new tools on my side.
THIS WEEK'S PROGRESS
Recording should continue this week, but I will also be working on the website portion of the project.
THIS WEEK'S PROGRESS
- Started recruitment of redheads for round table discussion. Plan to continue into this week and book the conference room in the library.
- Purchased a digital audio recorder in order to get some sound bites around campus for character and celebrity segments of each podcast.
- Started adding music to the sports episode.
- Was granted permission by photographer to use photos of redheads for website summaries and tri-fold board.
Recording should continue this week, but I will also be working on the website portion of the project.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
over 9000 (royalty free songs if you register and pay with your first born)
Instead of doing an entire podcast revolving around the history of redheads, which could have taken some serious time to research and obtain interviews for, the history podcast will now be a segment of each podcast that is a FUN FACT! kind of scenario. I think the actors/actresses episode will now also be incorporated into the podcasts as a "guess the natural redhead celebrity" game. Hopefully this enhances the other three episode themes and makes the podcasts a fun, easy listen, not just a very cut-and-dry information + interview format.
I spent a lot of time this week working on finding royalty free music to use as intros to the podcasts, as well as general background and additional sound for episode segments. My days looked something like this--
Classical music should be easier, but with the way copyright laws work, certain performances of the classical public domain pieces are copyrighted. Finding anything from Vivaldi (a redhead composer!) was practically impossible unless I wanted to add the song to my cart and pay an extravagant fee.
Meeting with my director helped me find some great royalty free music without cost. Hopefully, with just a bit more searching and some pure luck, I'll have everything I need to give my podcasts some life.
I spent a lot of time this week working on finding royalty free music to use as intros to the podcasts, as well as general background and additional sound for episode segments. My days looked something like this--
Although it's not too terribly difficult to find royalty free music, or music under a creative commons license, a lot of music out there is not necessarily right for a podcast. You wouldn't play a song with lyrics loudly in the background of an interview, for example, and unlike This American Life, I don't have the rights to use Yann Tiersen's instrumental pieces whenever I please.
Classical music should be easier, but with the way copyright laws work, certain performances of the classical public domain pieces are copyrighted. Finding anything from Vivaldi (a redhead composer!) was practically impossible unless I wanted to add the song to my cart and pay an extravagant fee.
Meeting with my director helped me find some great royalty free music without cost. Hopefully, with just a bit more searching and some pure luck, I'll have everything I need to give my podcasts some life.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
it is not something discovered, it is something molded
This week I mainly spent my time sending emails about permission to use music within my podcasts, as well as doing research for potential guests for upcoming episodes. While I was unable to accomplish much, I feel as if I learned a lot from this week. I took a moment to look back on what I have managed to finish so far, which helped me plan for what comes next.
I began to make decisions about what I can reasonably expect to complete come presentation time, and now will have to make adjustments. If I could focus 100 percent of my time on capstone, I think my original goals would be attainable, but unfortunately college doesn't function that way. Quantity does not make up for a lack of quality. I want to put my best effort into my project.
I am going to spend a few days regrouping, potentially changing 5 themes into 3 or 4. Sports, for example, had a great interview but not much extra information outside of football. I might be able to incorporate the sports information into a broader theme and expand some more. Or, I might scrap the idea of reaching out to actors and actresses, as it might take time away from contacting people who are more readily available.
I want to give myself time to really look into sound editing, and to give the podcasts the best look possible when uploading them to WordPress.
Time management has not always been my best friend, and if now is a time I can learn to adapt, then I'd like to do that and move forward. I think it was important for me to identify what I can reasonably handle. For the sake of redheads everywhere, I will continue to do my best!
I began to make decisions about what I can reasonably expect to complete come presentation time, and now will have to make adjustments. If I could focus 100 percent of my time on capstone, I think my original goals would be attainable, but unfortunately college doesn't function that way. Quantity does not make up for a lack of quality. I want to put my best effort into my project.
I am going to spend a few days regrouping, potentially changing 5 themes into 3 or 4. Sports, for example, had a great interview but not much extra information outside of football. I might be able to incorporate the sports information into a broader theme and expand some more. Or, I might scrap the idea of reaching out to actors and actresses, as it might take time away from contacting people who are more readily available.
I want to give myself time to really look into sound editing, and to give the podcasts the best look possible when uploading them to WordPress.
Time management has not always been my best friend, and if now is a time I can learn to adapt, then I'd like to do that and move forward. I think it was important for me to identify what I can reasonably handle. For the sake of redheads everywhere, I will continue to do my best!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
gingers do have soles
The most exciting development for my capstone this week was conducting my very first interview. I brought my Blue Snowball microphone and laptop with me to meet Neal, the redhead football player, and recorded our conversation in the Academic Support Center. I remembered to bring a release form for Neal to sign, and he also agreed to meet up again if I need to rerecord any questions I had for him. It was a pleasant, relaxed interview session and I'm thankful to Neal for being so friendly and open to the project.
What I Learned:
Meeting with my capstone director this week was also incredibly helpful. I was able to discuss some of my concerns about my schedule, my final proposal, and how to put together my podcasts. I now have a better idea of how I should go about finding people to speak with for each episode theme, and feel more comfortable with taking the time I need to make sure this project brings out the best of my abilities as a communications student.
What I Learned:
- Group Study Rooms in the Library are now first come, first serve. This proved somewhat problematic, as Neal and I didn't have a quiet space to record. The background noise should be able to be removed in Audacity, but I hope to find a better environment for recording next time around.
- Redheads have softer skin on the soles of their feet. After asking Neal about the commonly accepted theory that redheads bruise and bleed more easily than those of other hair colors, Neal revealed to me that actually redheads blister more easily on their feet. I am constantly facing issues with the soles of my feet when other members of my family don't, but never connected the dots.
- Letting conversation flow naturally is a good way to go about podcast interviews. Although I came prepared with a series of questions to ask and an idea of how I hoped the interview would go, after the interview 'ended' I actually started to record once more because Neal and I had plenty more to say to one another. Being prepared, but also being casual and letting conversation go where it wanted made for a better environment overall. I'll remember that for next time.
Meeting with my capstone director this week was also incredibly helpful. I was able to discuss some of my concerns about my schedule, my final proposal, and how to put together my podcasts. I now have a better idea of how I should go about finding people to speak with for each episode theme, and feel more comfortable with taking the time I need to make sure this project brings out the best of my abilities as a communications student.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
tie your ginger kid down, sport
After deciding that the first episode of The Firehead Chats would revolve around redheads in sports, I spent most of this past week organizing information and contacting my interview subjects. I finally managed to get in touch with Neal, a member of the Shepherd University Football Team, and he and I will be recording an interview about his redheaded sports life this week.
I mentioned in a previous blog entry that I found the speculation about Andy Dalton's football future completely ridiculous, but I also knew that while unfounded, the bias against a redheaded NFL player couldn't have popped out of thin air. A brief conversation with my father sent me in search of more information on a previous NFL player, Todd Marinovich.
Turns out, Esquire Magazine had an article dedicated to--
The Man Who Never Was
As the brief introduction states, Todd Marinovich was "drafted ahead of Brett Favre. Today he's a recovering junkie." Todd was a dream quarterback, until he crashed and burned. I'll ask Neal what he thinks about Todd being used as an example for all redhead football players.
But football isn't the only sport where a redhead stands out. Shaun White used to be called "The Flying Tomato" and has since rejected the nickname. I'll discuss why, and how Shaun embraced his red hair from another angle entirely.
I've got a rough draft of a transcript/outline completed for the first episode, will revise parts of it after the interview if necessary, and plan to record throughout this week.
Other Items Completed This Week:
I mentioned in a previous blog entry that I found the speculation about Andy Dalton's football future completely ridiculous, but I also knew that while unfounded, the bias against a redheaded NFL player couldn't have popped out of thin air. A brief conversation with my father sent me in search of more information on a previous NFL player, Todd Marinovich.
Turns out, Esquire Magazine had an article dedicated to--
As the brief introduction states, Todd Marinovich was "drafted ahead of Brett Favre. Today he's a recovering junkie." Todd was a dream quarterback, until he crashed and burned. I'll ask Neal what he thinks about Todd being used as an example for all redhead football players.
But football isn't the only sport where a redhead stands out. Shaun White used to be called "The Flying Tomato" and has since rejected the nickname. I'll discuss why, and how Shaun embraced his red hair from another angle entirely.
I've got a rough draft of a transcript/outline completed for the first episode, will revise parts of it after the interview if necessary, and plan to record throughout this week.
Other Items Completed This Week:
- Final Proposal for the Podcast Project
- Rough Draft of a Project Schedule
- Looked into Web Hosting for the WordPress Page
- Picked up two books from the library, one on Podcasting, one on the Erotic Power of Redheads
Sunday, September 18, 2011
not catching anything redheaded
It was a good week to be a redhead, or maybe it became easier to notice the redhead happenings around me with some focus pointed that way. A brief encounter with a classmate gave me inspiration for the first of The Firehead Chats.
Andy Dalton's Impending Doom
Who knew that a quarterback could be judged by the color of his hair? I found this ridiculous enough to want to devote some time to redheads in sports. Hopefully, by the end of this week I'll have spoken with a member of the Shepherd University football team, a redhead player, to hear his thoughts on this topic.
I know have a more focused goal for podcast themes after this week. Sports, Beauty, History, Quirks & Stories, and Actors & Actresses. Though I will specifically focus on one podcast at a time, the last episode will take a bit more effort than the others in terms of interview availability, and so I've begun putting some feelers out to see if any celebrities would be interested in making comments on how being a redhead or dying their hair red has influenced the characters they've played.
Plans for this coming week include finalizing my project proposal, coming up with a reasonable schedule of work, focusing on the sports theme for the first podcast, and digging a bit more into how to create a podcast.
Andy Dalton's Impending Doom
Who knew that a quarterback could be judged by the color of his hair? I found this ridiculous enough to want to devote some time to redheads in sports. Hopefully, by the end of this week I'll have spoken with a member of the Shepherd University football team, a redhead player, to hear his thoughts on this topic.
I know have a more focused goal for podcast themes after this week. Sports, Beauty, History, Quirks & Stories, and Actors & Actresses. Though I will specifically focus on one podcast at a time, the last episode will take a bit more effort than the others in terms of interview availability, and so I've begun putting some feelers out to see if any celebrities would be interested in making comments on how being a redhead or dying their hair red has influenced the characters they've played.
Plans for this coming week include finalizing my project proposal, coming up with a reasonable schedule of work, focusing on the sports theme for the first podcast, and digging a bit more into how to create a podcast.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
the myth, the power, the... revilement
"For red hair has fallen on evil days and the possessors thereof suffer a revilement to which the flames of the Egyptian altar were perhaps preferable."
Yikes. Thanks for the warning, Lowry Charles Wimberly. Even though you wrote "The Red-Headed Man" in 1929, I think your words still apply.
As I have fallen on evil, evil days indeed. Many evil days of the most insufferable head cold known to man. It has aided in the lateness of this progress report, and for that I am sorry. However! I have accomplished much on the research front! Apologies for the lack of excitement to follow.
1. "Red Hair and Outlawry" -- Philip J. Rasch
Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology (Nov. - Dec. 1947)
Interesting Because: He debunks the idea that most criminals of the Wild West were redheads, but... he doesn't deny that there was some redhead tomfoolery going on!
2. Ugly Duckling to Swan: Labeling Theory and the Stigmatization of Red Hair --
Druann Maria Heckert; Amy Best
Symbolic Interaction, Vol. 20, No. 4 (1997)
Interesting Because: Interviews were conducted with redheads about stereotypes! I'd like to do something of a similar nature, so I think this will be a highly useful resource for me.
3. Judas's Red Hair --
Paull Franklin Baum
The Journal of English and Germanic Philology, Vol. 21, No. 3 (Jul. 1922)
Interesting Because: Where the discrimination of redheads began ~ if Judas hadn't been such an awful redheaded man, then maybe we wouldn't all be labeled deviants. Thanks, man.
4. Shame and Glory: A Sociology of Hair --
Anthony Synnott
The British Journal of Sociology, Vol. 38, No. 3 (Sep. 1987)
Interesting Because: In some polls and surveys done by Glamour magazine, redheaded women were described as "physically unattractive" while redheaded men were considered "effeminate" - neither did well for % of interest compared to other hair colors. Ouch.
5. The Red-Headed Man --
Lowry Charles Wimberly
Prairie Schooner, Vol. 3, No. 4 (FALL 1929)
Interesting Because: Fierce defender of redheads! See above.
The roots of desire : the myth, meaning, and sexual power of red hair
Marion Roach Smith
AMAZING OR WHAT?
Love, Lucy
Lucille Ball
Not a natural redhead, but there's an important cultural redheadness here!
Podcasting with audacity creating a podcast with free audio software
Scott Mazzoni
I have not forgotten I am doing podcasts! Proof.
This week I plan to --
- Meet with my director to discuss project progress and next developments.
- Do more research on the PODCAST aspect of the project - not just listen to RadioLab and This American Life.
- Organize the research material into "shows" so that each podcast has a theme.
So that is all for Sept. 4 - Sep. 11!
Friday, September 9, 2011
By the Numbers
Scott McCloud's The Right Number (1) (2) was greatly enhanced by its format. Although there are subtle things happening throughout each part, the action isn't nearly as emphasized as the narration and character development in each panel. Instead of allowing the sense of action to suffer in the back seat, McCloud provides the reader with a way to fill in the gap. If the reader were presented this in a printed comic book or graphic novel style, the eye would scan from one panel to the next with the occasional page flip in between, a slow and potentially boring pace given the highly textual nature of the piece. Because McCloud formatted the story to be told one panel at a time, and the reader needed to click to access each panel, the reader became the active, working balance to the protagonist's passive, thought-heavy storytelling.
Not only does The Right Number allow the reader to progress the action through clicking, it actually gives up control of the sequence to the reader by offering individual panel number options at the bottom. Much like the protagonist of the story experimented with numbers to try and find his perfect woman, the reader is able to experiment with panel numbers to create the perfect story.
The Korean comic does the exact opposite. Most readers will follow the story at their own pace, comfortably scrolling along the page. At first the zombie character doesn't seem so terrifying. You can tell by the cliche setting that the creepy figure in the distance is, in fact, going to be creepy as anticipated. But then you lose control of the pace of the panels, and the creature turns unexpectedly quickly. The result is an instant shock to the system, a surprise that pulls the reader in to what might not have been such an enticing story otherwise.
Are these two stories following the rules for what a comic should be? According to Le Holy Grail de Wikipedia, and our course textbook, it is the deliberately sequential nature of the pictures that defines the medium. If that's the case, then The Right Number forfeits its credibility as a comic, as the reader can easily destroy the intended sequence of panels. What most people agree is that comics and animation are NOT the same, but does that mean the quick moving panels of the Korean comic also disqualify it from being a comic?
For me, comics are an interactive medium, much like a film that has been slowed down and over-edited in order for the reader to jump in and actively participate in the telling of the story. But then, what differentiates a graphic novel from any other novel that gives the reader some sense of inclusiveness?
I hope by the end of the semester, I'll be able to define comics more clearly. Otherwise, anything visual could be a comic... or not.
 |
| http://www.flickr.com/photos/jezpage/5057940107/ |
Not only does The Right Number allow the reader to progress the action through clicking, it actually gives up control of the sequence to the reader by offering individual panel number options at the bottom. Much like the protagonist of the story experimented with numbers to try and find his perfect woman, the reader is able to experiment with panel numbers to create the perfect story.
The Korean comic does the exact opposite. Most readers will follow the story at their own pace, comfortably scrolling along the page. At first the zombie character doesn't seem so terrifying. You can tell by the cliche setting that the creepy figure in the distance is, in fact, going to be creepy as anticipated. But then you lose control of the pace of the panels, and the creature turns unexpectedly quickly. The result is an instant shock to the system, a surprise that pulls the reader in to what might not have been such an enticing story otherwise.
 |
| http://www.flickr.com/photos/slipstreamblue/2638690797/ |
Are these two stories following the rules for what a comic should be? According to Le Holy Grail de Wikipedia, and our course textbook, it is the deliberately sequential nature of the pictures that defines the medium. If that's the case, then The Right Number forfeits its credibility as a comic, as the reader can easily destroy the intended sequence of panels. What most people agree is that comics and animation are NOT the same, but does that mean the quick moving panels of the Korean comic also disqualify it from being a comic?
For me, comics are an interactive medium, much like a film that has been slowed down and over-edited in order for the reader to jump in and actively participate in the telling of the story. But then, what differentiates a graphic novel from any other novel that gives the reader some sense of inclusiveness?
I hope by the end of the semester, I'll be able to define comics more clearly. Otherwise, anything visual could be a comic... or not.
Friday, September 2, 2011
it's not easy, being ginger
"And now, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums."
-- The Red-Headed League (The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes)
There is no such thing as a Red-Headed League, no League of Extraordinary Redheads, or if there is such a club in existence, I haven't received my invitation yet. Being a natural redhead, however, does come with a certain set of shared experiences that range from 'no big deal' to truly bizarre.
For example, after being told as children that we should never speak to strangers, why did several strangers try and stop us in malls and grocery stores to tell us about so-and-so in their family who used to have red hair? Why are all the iconic, cherished redheaded celebrities of Hollywood past and present actually natural blondes and brunettes? Why does everyone assume that The Little Mermaid is a redhead's favorite Disney movie?
I want to explore the world of the natural redhead. For this, I'll be recording a series of podcasts, each show focusing on a different aspect of redheaded culture. One show may center around the representation of redheads in media, while another may involve interviews with other natural redheads about what it's like to grow up as the carrot top, fire crotch, or ketchup head of the class. I know I have several stories about weird encounters that would never have happened if not for my red hair.
I plan to research not only parts of redhead history that I don't know, including an interesting study that found most outlaws in the American West were redheaded men, but also to research the art of the podcast. I have written many a research paper in my time as a student, and I've had a chance to grow in other areas in media, but audio work has always intrigued me (I love the NPR podcasts) and it's something I've never done. I'd like to merge my English minor writing skills with my Mass Comm major media talents.
By hosting the podcasts on WordPress and writing an introduction for each show, I can hopefully produce a fun, personal senior project.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Marching Princesses
Living in a world of connectivity and web memes, it feels like I've always been exposed to comics. Garfield Minus Garfield has been my friend in many a procrastination period. But I would hardly go so far as to call myself an avid graphic novel reader, especially not with my younger sister in the room applying superhero wallpapers to her computer desktop. It just seems a bit of a stretch.
Throughout this semester, I'm looking forward to broadening my vision of what it means to read, and how I absorb a story. I've started with works by other Shepherd University students, March til Morning by Kevin East and Princess Kairi's Adventures by Amanda Palmer.
What was most appealing about Kevin's story was his attention to potential audience for the work. Those who have experienced being in a band, playing in a friend's basement, should be able to relate to the lifestyle of the characters. The graphics were clearly designed for those who already have an interest in rock bands, with a lot of red and black and a cover that is reminiscent of Guns n Roses.
What March Til Morning lacked was an enticing plot. A band being lazy, then practicing, then playing a concert is a natural progression of events. There's nothing to break the stasis of the world and drive the plot forward, nothing that makes the reader invest in the storyline.
Amanda Palmer's Princess Kairi's Adventures served as an antonym for the first student project I read. It was clear from the beginning that there was a plot unfolding, something to follow in the setting she created. It was fun to see the classic elements of a fairytale done in comics style, from an evil stepmother to an unusual talking creature. In fact, Kairi's friend the pig was probably my favorite thing in the story - it always showed up at the right times.
Where there could have been improvement, however, was in the execution of the graphics style. What was used would have been perfect if they were more easily seen. The low contrast made it somewhat hard to discern figures at times, and though a medieval setting wouldn't necessarily be the brightest one, it could have done with some bolder color to attract the reader's eye.
Throughout this semester, I'm looking forward to broadening my vision of what it means to read, and how I absorb a story. I've started with works by other Shepherd University students, March til Morning by Kevin East and Princess Kairi's Adventures by Amanda Palmer.
 |
| http://www.flickr.com/photos/cubworld/ |
What March Til Morning lacked was an enticing plot. A band being lazy, then practicing, then playing a concert is a natural progression of events. There's nothing to break the stasis of the world and drive the plot forward, nothing that makes the reader invest in the storyline.
 |
| http://www.flickr.com/photos/brendagoodchild/ |
Amanda Palmer's Princess Kairi's Adventures served as an antonym for the first student project I read. It was clear from the beginning that there was a plot unfolding, something to follow in the setting she created. It was fun to see the classic elements of a fairytale done in comics style, from an evil stepmother to an unusual talking creature. In fact, Kairi's friend the pig was probably my favorite thing in the story - it always showed up at the right times.
Where there could have been improvement, however, was in the execution of the graphics style. What was used would have been perfect if they were more easily seen. The low contrast made it somewhat hard to discern figures at times, and though a medieval setting wouldn't necessarily be the brightest one, it could have done with some bolder color to attract the reader's eye.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Relay Walk This Way
As I come closer and closer to finishing my college career, I can't help but think about my first graduation, that moment when I received my High School diploma (and out of order, as somehow our Senior class of 500+ failed to learn how the alphabet works).
Sadly, one of the most prominent memories of that time was a lack of attendance by my grandparents, as both passed away earlier in the year. My grandmother did not survive her battle with cancer.
I am not alone in being affected by cancer's hold on loved ones, which makes supporting the efforts of Relay for Life that much more important a mission. Being able to focus on how to spread the message about such a positive and rewarding campaign rocked.
No, really.
I was thrilled when my suggestion of Rockin' Relay was chosen from the themes tossed around during our mock advertising agency's brainstorming session. As a member of the print group, I was able to come up with some concepts for potential posters should the theme be picked up by Relay for Life in the future.
One of the first ideas to come to me was the idea of "blue suede shoes" to play off the walking done at the relay and the famous Elvis Presley song.
I am extremely satisfied with the result, as I do think the image of shoes on the pavement is an eye-catching and fun way to promote relay related events.
However, after reading more about Public Service Advertising, I do think there are some ways this poster could be improved. For example, Relay for Life is quite frequently represented by the color purple. There is little to no purple in the blue suede shoes poster, and though the Relay for Life logo is clearly present, it could be taken as an after thought. Because purple was present in the other Rockin' Relay posters I created (2 more, plus a pin), a splash more purple could bring this poster in with the rest of the campaign and make it more recognizable. Perhaps the chalk writing could have been a light purple rather than a white color. Subtle, but it could really make the difference.
As a member of the print group, I was not only able to create my own posters, but I was also given the opportunity to help other members of the team learn new Photoshop tricks. There was nothing better than having the magic wand tool feel magical again!
Sadly, one of the most prominent memories of that time was a lack of attendance by my grandparents, as both passed away earlier in the year. My grandmother did not survive her battle with cancer.
I am not alone in being affected by cancer's hold on loved ones, which makes supporting the efforts of Relay for Life that much more important a mission. Being able to focus on how to spread the message about such a positive and rewarding campaign rocked.
No, really.
One of the first ideas to come to me was the idea of "blue suede shoes" to play off the walking done at the relay and the famous Elvis Presley song.
I am extremely satisfied with the result, as I do think the image of shoes on the pavement is an eye-catching and fun way to promote relay related events.
However, after reading more about Public Service Advertising, I do think there are some ways this poster could be improved. For example, Relay for Life is quite frequently represented by the color purple. There is little to no purple in the blue suede shoes poster, and though the Relay for Life logo is clearly present, it could be taken as an after thought. Because purple was present in the other Rockin' Relay posters I created (2 more, plus a pin), a splash more purple could bring this poster in with the rest of the campaign and make it more recognizable. Perhaps the chalk writing could have been a light purple rather than a white color. Subtle, but it could really make the difference.
As a member of the print group, I was not only able to create my own posters, but I was also given the opportunity to help other members of the team learn new Photoshop tricks. There was nothing better than having the magic wand tool feel magical again!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Give Me a Sign
Signifier: Steel-Green Background
Signified: Envy, Money, Natural, Power
Signifier: Hair
Signified: Duality, Versatility, Balance
Signifier: Black Clothing
Signified: Career Success, Sophistication, Mystery
Signifier: Target
Signified: Bull's eye, Goal, Desire
Signifier: Position of Lower Arm
Signified: Display, Vanna White, Cradling, Feminine
Friday, February 18, 2011
All's Ferin Love and Identity
Online I'm known as Ferin.
I've been using that nickname for so long now (and it's so close to my actual name) that I don't ever think to separate the two in my mind. Is the me that blogs the same me that speaks and acts? Most of the time I'd say so, but since I've had very few friends in life that both see me in the day to day and online... I have no objective opinion to be sure.
When I first read A Rape in Cyberspace I thought that the women who felt violated by another MOO user were reacting a bit in the extreme - and yet the young girl who took her life over a fake MySpace account had my complete sympathy. It's easy to say that someone older should take the Internet with a grain of salt, but who are we to judge the openness of others?
I have done roleplaying for so long now that distancing myself from my character has become second nature. Understanding the drama that surrounds online identity crisis and "what's right and wrong here?" seems simple. But then... today I was reminded of one character I played for a brief period of time in my life. I had a fake Twitter account I used to play with others on the site, and before I knew it?
I was using the fake twitter more than my own. My thoughts, my feelings were being channeled through this fictional person, and when something bad happened to that character that I wasn't expecting? I cried.
The Internet is so much a part of our daily lives now that it might as well be a true extension of reality, hyperbole and dramatics and hurt feelings along with it. If we don't have a moral code for our online behavior, what kind of message are we sending to the generations growing up with Internet access 24/7?
I've been using that nickname for so long now (and it's so close to my actual name) that I don't ever think to separate the two in my mind. Is the me that blogs the same me that speaks and acts? Most of the time I'd say so, but since I've had very few friends in life that both see me in the day to day and online... I have no objective opinion to be sure.
Well, that picture is definitely not of me! At least the location is true?
When I first read A Rape in Cyberspace I thought that the women who felt violated by another MOO user were reacting a bit in the extreme - and yet the young girl who took her life over a fake MySpace account had my complete sympathy. It's easy to say that someone older should take the Internet with a grain of salt, but who are we to judge the openness of others?
I have done roleplaying for so long now that distancing myself from my character has become second nature. Understanding the drama that surrounds online identity crisis and "what's right and wrong here?" seems simple. But then... today I was reminded of one character I played for a brief period of time in my life. I had a fake Twitter account I used to play with others on the site, and before I knew it?
I was using the fake twitter more than my own. My thoughts, my feelings were being channeled through this fictional person, and when something bad happened to that character that I wasn't expecting? I cried.
The Internet is so much a part of our daily lives now that it might as well be a true extension of reality, hyperbole and dramatics and hurt feelings along with it. If we don't have a moral code for our online behavior, what kind of message are we sending to the generations growing up with Internet access 24/7?
Thursday, February 17, 2011
be different.
Creating an advertising campaign for cellphones targeted toward tweens should have been easy enough to manage. In theory, the magic equation would be --
1 boy with a Bieber haircut + 1 girl in an iCarly t-shirt - any sense of financial obligation = SUCCESS!
When two of those options are taken away... then what do you do? CURSE YOU, COPYRIGHT!
Luckily, with a great partner, a little imagination, and hours spent surfing Creative Commons -- an ad campaign was born!
What could have been improved? There were a number of simple changes that might have made this campaign stronger. Adding a website address to find out more info about the phone might have been useful considering the lack of information given in the actual ads. Maybe making the ad targeted toward preteen boys brighter to match the other two ads would have helped make the campaign a cohesive whole. We could have used more animal-themed skins for our peacock feathers. There was also the mention of the phone 'floating' in the third ad, so there might have been a way to use the phone on the page that would have suited all three ads instead of just the first two.
1 boy with a Bieber haircut + 1 girl in an iCarly t-shirt - any sense of financial obligation = SUCCESS!
When two of those options are taken away... then what do you do? CURSE YOU, COPYRIGHT!
Luckily, with a great partner, a little imagination, and hours spent surfing Creative Commons -- an ad campaign was born!
BE _____. Keeping the slogan simple and tying it to both the image used and the idea of the phone skins seemed to really work out for us. We had a playful font for the phone name and an easy to read font for the rest of the text. Each ad was bright and eye-catching, but not too busy.
What could have been improved? There were a number of simple changes that might have made this campaign stronger. Adding a website address to find out more info about the phone might have been useful considering the lack of information given in the actual ads. Maybe making the ad targeted toward preteen boys brighter to match the other two ads would have helped make the campaign a cohesive whole. We could have used more animal-themed skins for our peacock feathers. There was also the mention of the phone 'floating' in the third ad, so there might have been a way to use the phone on the page that would have suited all three ads instead of just the first two.Overall, the ad campaign seemed to be successful in theme and execution. I had a blast seeing what ideas the other teams came up with for this project! The assignment was certainly challenging, but I loved getting a chance to flex some Photoshop skills and think outside the box.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
An Exception to the Rule
I was a preteen girl back when one of the best things about the music industry was the excitement of a new music video release. I'd rush home from school to make sure I didn't miss TRL, a music video Top 10 program on MTV, and cheered on my favorite bands for the number one spot. I never realized how many degrading images of women I was absorbing in a mere hour's time.
Seeing video after video I recognized in the Dreamworlds 3 documentary really opened my eyes to what I'd either missed or forgotten. Suddenly I remembered how disappointed I was when Jewel was suddenly shaking her hips in a skimpy outfit instead of playing guitar just because she was now endorsed by a brand of razor. I thought--
"Oh yeah! When I was young, you either had to be Jennifer Love Hewitt lusted after by all of LFO, or... Jennifer Love Hewitt saved by Enrique Iglesias in the desert!"
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| miss_rogue @ flickr |
I remembered this monstrosity. Not only did the video for "Dontcha" fall right into the pattern of objectifying women, it wanted the men to pay attention. It asked them to fantasize and to use the women in the video as objects because they were better than the reality of any girlfriend.
Last night I set out on a quest to find a video that defied the odds, because more disheartening to me than the treatment of women in men's entertainment was the seeming compliance of female performers. It was in this search that I stumbled upon a pattern. Women who played instruments - guitar and piano most common - were the ones most often allowed to tell a story from their own point of view.
Maybe it was already believed that women would be the target audiences for this genre of music, or maybe the fact that a story was built into the song itself spared them from falling into the 'lack of creativity' that other videos show. Either way, it was something to get hopeful about, something that showed that there is a light at the end of a loooooong tunnel of booty shaking babes.
Here was one exception I thoroughly enjoyed. A woman telling a story about her own exception, and keeping her clothes on in the process.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
What Could Have Been A Berry Successful Campaign
When looking through the Forbes.Com Article about Social Media campaigns, I was shocked to discover that a good number of those considered the 'best' were things I hadn't seen before. This is likely a side effect of infrequent use of sites like Facebook and Twitter, which are quickly becoming the sole form of communication for my age group.
And yet... I do have accounts, I do fall victim to popular youtube videos, and to suggest that I've never seen the Old Spice commercials with Isaiah Mustafa would be an outright lie.
What is it that makes social media such a successful outlet for product placement? I think the main factor is the fact that advertisements have found a way to become interactive, and the best way to get a person on board with your brand? Make them feel as if they have a say in it! Like stockholders, but without any monetary benefit.
I know that when Mountain Dew recently placed three new flavors in stores and asked consumers to vote, I was determined to try every single one. When a store didn't have one of the new three flavors in stock? I'd just buy the original. At the time I didn't even think of how easily they'd hooked me.
Thinking over this topic reminded me of what could have been a successful social media campaign and fell somewhat flat. When a commercial featuring a man in a funny outfit doing a dance and singing a tune aired on television for Starbursts - Berries and Cream flavor, all of my friends were talking about it. Whether they felt the commercial was hilarious, or just plain silly, it had captured their attention. Soon after, a video hit youtube showing exactly how to do the dance featured in the commercial.
If only they'd found some way to connect this with flash animation! Then we'd all be able to do the 'Little Lad Dance' without stepping away from our computers. Unfortunately, the campaign failed to recognize the main appeal of social media - tell everyone you know with the click of a button, not a flap of the tongue.
And yet... I do have accounts, I do fall victim to popular youtube videos, and to suggest that I've never seen the Old Spice commercials with Isaiah Mustafa would be an outright lie.
What is it that makes social media such a successful outlet for product placement? I think the main factor is the fact that advertisements have found a way to become interactive, and the best way to get a person on board with your brand? Make them feel as if they have a say in it! Like stockholders, but without any monetary benefit.
I know that when Mountain Dew recently placed three new flavors in stores and asked consumers to vote, I was determined to try every single one. When a store didn't have one of the new three flavors in stock? I'd just buy the original. At the time I didn't even think of how easily they'd hooked me.
Thinking over this topic reminded me of what could have been a successful social media campaign and fell somewhat flat. When a commercial featuring a man in a funny outfit doing a dance and singing a tune aired on television for Starbursts - Berries and Cream flavor, all of my friends were talking about it. Whether they felt the commercial was hilarious, or just plain silly, it had captured their attention. Soon after, a video hit youtube showing exactly how to do the dance featured in the commercial.
If only they'd found some way to connect this with flash animation! Then we'd all be able to do the 'Little Lad Dance' without stepping away from our computers. Unfortunately, the campaign failed to recognize the main appeal of social media - tell everyone you know with the click of a button, not a flap of the tongue.
Ready, Set... Roleplay!
All right, so Jane Austen will forever be a huge bore.
Or, to be more fair, her works will always be there for the masses to form opinions on when forced to read or watch, and freedom of speech will allow those of us who enjoy her stories... to sit through a large number of complaints from the rest of the room.
Fair enough. But it doesn't make for a website project to be enthusiastic about when there are twenty five pages of content expected.
So, in the spirit of doing something far more personal and thrilling in a can-I-really-ruin-my-social-life-with-one-project sort of way, I've decided to throw a new concept out there in time for the PowerPoint requirement [and for my views on PowerPoint as a program see this blog post].
ROLEPLAYING.
While some gutter-minded folks out there might link this directly to the bedroom, I'm talking about everything but. Forums, blogs, online games, and cosplay to name just a few varieties.
Eloquent words from my younger brother, but... not exactly. There's so much more to roleplaying than just collecting gold coins and saving the princess. While I've never played any online RPGs myself, I look forward to exploring the subculture they've created. I also want to look into the benefits of roleplaying - from the expansion of the imagination to the grammar skills acquired through shared writing.
Why read about Mr. Darcy when you can be Mr. Darcy!
... Right?
Or, to be more fair, her works will always be there for the masses to form opinions on when forced to read or watch, and freedom of speech will allow those of us who enjoy her stories... to sit through a large number of complaints from the rest of the room.
Fair enough. But it doesn't make for a website project to be enthusiastic about when there are twenty five pages of content expected.
So, in the spirit of doing something far more personal and thrilling in a can-I-really-ruin-my-social-life-with-one-project sort of way, I've decided to throw a new concept out there in time for the PowerPoint requirement [and for my views on PowerPoint as a program see this blog post].
ROLEPLAYING.
While some gutter-minded folks out there might link this directly to the bedroom, I'm talking about everything but. Forums, blogs, online games, and cosplay to name just a few varieties.
"So you mean like... where you run around on quests and stuff?"
Eloquent words from my younger brother, but... not exactly. There's so much more to roleplaying than just collecting gold coins and saving the princess. While I've never played any online RPGs myself, I look forward to exploring the subculture they've created. I also want to look into the benefits of roleplaying - from the expansion of the imagination to the grammar skills acquired through shared writing.
Why read about Mr. Darcy when you can be Mr. Darcy!
... Right?
What's the Point?
With titles like Learning to Love PowerPoint and PowerPoint is Evil, I anticipated that these two articles would hold opposing views about the program in question.
I believe, however, that David Byrne and Edward Tufte ultimately reach the same conclusion. A PowerPoint presentation may be a convenient and effective communication tool, but its true quality depends on the content the presenter brings to the table.
Both articles seem to focus in on the key point of limitation. While PowerPoint makes everything simple - bullet point here, bouncing text there, rinse and repeat - for the presenter to organize information, it cannot make up for a lack of good subject matter, nor can it be relied on as the best method for sharing ideas 100% of the time.
Although at first glance the articles may seem contradictory, together they make a successful argument. While those people who choose to use PowerPoint as an aid should not feel as if they have to sacrifice creativity for program presets, they should also remember that more than just slides are available for reaching their audience.
The point: No limits... within reason.
I believe, however, that David Byrne and Edward Tufte ultimately reach the same conclusion. A PowerPoint presentation may be a convenient and effective communication tool, but its true quality depends on the content the presenter brings to the table.
Both articles seem to focus in on the key point of limitation. While PowerPoint makes everything simple - bullet point here, bouncing text there, rinse and repeat - for the presenter to organize information, it cannot make up for a lack of good subject matter, nor can it be relied on as the best method for sharing ideas 100% of the time.
Although at first glance the articles may seem contradictory, together they make a successful argument. While those people who choose to use PowerPoint as an aid should not feel as if they have to sacrifice creativity for program presets, they should also remember that more than just slides are available for reaching their audience.
The point: No limits... within reason.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Austentatious Ideas
How are the civilities and compliments of every day life to be related as they ought to be, unless noted down every evening in a journal?
One of my old college roommates used to shake her head or scoff at me whenever I suggested we watch a Jane Austen film for our weekly movie night. The mere mention of Pride and Prejudice seemed to make her nauseous, no doubt related to resurfacing memories of high school literature courses. I've been there.
I can admit that I usually don't admit to being a die-hard Austen fan myself. There are a combination of factors at play here.
➻ Actually reading Jane Austen's novels can be similar to pulling teeth (and my six-year-old self remembers having a tooth yanked out that wasn't ready to go, thank you!)
➻ Social structure of the Jane Austen Era makes me want to throw things.
➻ There's enough similarity between her work and modern-day romance novels for me to fear I'm turning into my mother already.
BUT.
One day I managed to convince my roommate to watch Northanger Abbey with me, and soon enough we were sitting through all 3+ hours of Sense and Sensibility. We laughed, we screamed at the heroine, we swooned over the men - I converted her to an Austen fan easily in just two weeks.
What makes the film adaptations so much better than the original work?
I often compare William Shakespeare to Disney's animated films ("He might not have come up with the story, but he knows how to make me like it!"), both genius in their own right. Andrew Davies is another person to add to that list. Every single screen adaptation of Jane Austen's work with his name attached is one I can claim is worth seeing.
If I could choose my ULTIMATE website project, it would be to compile a shrine to Mr. Davies list of Jane Austen BBC (and ITV) adaptations and what makes each unique. Choice of actors and actresses, adaptation of dialogue, and even set design could all be a part of the comparative process.
I am, however, aware of the various problems that could arise with such a topic. Not only external, but my own sad tendency to ramble like a rambling thing that rambles.
Failing a Jane Austen Adaptation site, I do seem to have quite a few photos I took of empty benches lying around my desktop.
Could be an idea there.
I am simultaneously sitting as close to and as far away from a good idea as possible.
Hmn.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Vintage French Ads
I hate cats.
Not only do I have a severe allergic reaction whenever one is near, but it seems that if you have any sort of interest in blogging at all, someone who follows your writing (and perhaps you follow in return) will want to speak to you in depth about what their cat is doing at any given time.
I might not care that Princess Fluffybutt looks cute when sunbathing, but I listen anyway. This is incredibly similar to how I feel about old French advertisements.
When people think of vintage ads, or display any in their home, they tend to be full of cats. The classic Le Chat Noir to be more specific. But unlike the aforementioned Princess Fluffybutt, Le Chat Noir is iconic. It's about atmosphere and design aesthetic, history and culture.
While I wouldn't want to change my friends (cat-lovers and all), I can change my choice of wall hanging, and while Le Chat Noir is incredibly popular, vintage ads have a variety of products to sell - including bicycles, chocolate, and lots and lots of alcohol.
I have incredibly fond memories of chocolate. As a woman, I feel compelled to make fond memories of chocolate at least once a month... but even as a child, growing up in a city with a Nestle chocolate factory assured that waking up in the morning smelled amazing.
Not only do I have a severe allergic reaction whenever one is near, but it seems that if you have any sort of interest in blogging at all, someone who follows your writing (and perhaps you follow in return) will want to speak to you in depth about what their cat is doing at any given time.
I might not care that Princess Fluffybutt looks cute when sunbathing, but I listen anyway. This is incredibly similar to how I feel about old French advertisements.
 |
| design by Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen |
While I wouldn't want to change my friends (cat-lovers and all), I can change my choice of wall hanging, and while Le Chat Noir is incredibly popular, vintage ads have a variety of products to sell - including bicycles, chocolate, and lots and lots of alcohol.
I have incredibly fond memories of chocolate. As a woman, I feel compelled to make fond memories of chocolate at least once a month... but even as a child, growing up in a city with a Nestle chocolate factory assured that waking up in the morning smelled amazing.
Didn't hurt to have the right connections either. Crunch bars with pictures of Pocahontas and John Smith on them will forever be one of my favorite freebies.
 |
| design by Firmin Bouisset |
A Chocolat Menier poster will forever be one of my favorite advertisements.
There's something incredibly charming about the little girl in the ad. Maybe it's the double braid (that I could never pull off without being called Pippi), or the sense of mischief in writing on a wall, which most of us were never supposed to do with Mom's lipstick. I could have been intrigued by the closed umbrella or the bright, bold colors with yellow and blue when chocolate always pops into mind as a rich brown.
Whatever the initial attraction, I've always wanted to see advertisements return to the uniqueness of these older designs. It might seem unwise for a company to advertise a product without capturing the exact look of the object using specific lighting techniques and a powerful photo lens, but there is something to be said about the way advertisement is often linked to art and design. Photography can be a beautiful medium, and I would never turn my back on a good PS image, but it couldn't hurt to employ a few artists to an advertising job and make good use of the printing press, could it?
Just don't look to me for the first design, unless you're attempting to sell stick figures.
Oh, and to my friends Circe and Luna - I owe you each a chocolate bar. You'll know why (nyan).
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